University of Virginia Library

423.

[So late enlighten'd from above]

He turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee, &c. —xvi. 23.

So late enlighten'd from above,
Bless'd with the faith that works by love,
He falls, our hearts to show.
Falls into reason's dark abyss,
Offensive to his Lord he is
As the infernal foe.
In Peter's faith and fall I see
The difference 'twixt myself and me
When fortified by grace,
Or suddenly, alas, bereft
Of all support Divine, and left
To my own helplessness.
Ah give me, Lord, to use aright
The gracious strength, the heavenly light,
Which will so soon depart
Unless with meek humility
I every moment hang on Thee
The Keeper of my heart.